Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Craigie Avenue, between Brown Place and Haven Lane, will be closed to through-traffic from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday, Oct. 30 through Nov. 30 to facilitate a watermain replacement at 2803 Craigie Avenue, Decatur, GA. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Drew Smith, project engineer, Garney Construction at 813-675-7878. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –MARTA will temporarily halt rail service to Indian Creek Station on the Blue Line from Dec. 8-9, 2024, for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge over the tracks. The Kensington Station will temporarily serve as the end of the Blue Line during the installation. The new bridge will improve pedestrian and bike access on the north side of the station and connect to a planned trail network.  The pedestrian bridge installation is part of the larger Indian Creek Station Rehabilitation Project designed to improve safety, accessibility, and overall customer experience. The project also includes heavy cleaning,…

ATLANTA–Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced that American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a leading global insurance company, will establish a new innovation hub in DeKalb County. The facility will triple AIG’s current Atlanta-area office space to accommodate over 1,000 employees, including the creation of more than 600 new roles over the next five years. “Again and again, job creators are choosing the No. 1 state for business not just for first-time investment, but for expansion as well,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “AIG’s decision to grow their footprint here in Georgia is just the latest confirmation that we have what businesses…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Today, the Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s Office held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new service center, located at 1088 West Avenue, Conyers. Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington said the new offices will better serve the community with the addition of public restrooms, a waiting area for overflow customers, expanded parking, and drive-through services.   To view the ribbon-cutting ceremony, covered exclusively by Glenn L. Morgan/On Common Ground News(ocgnews.com):  https://youtu.be/9z-5oUKQzGs?si=Tfkj_zxachXZXGjN The county spent $1.6 million for the purchase and renovation of the Tax Commissioner’s Service Center and the Tax Commissioner’s Administration Office. Together, the two buildings total 6,716 square feet– 1,989…

 GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Dacula man was sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl.  Cristian Robledo, 36, was found guilty Monday of rape, aggravated child molestation, child molestation and other child sexual abuse charges. He was ordered to serve a life sentence in prison followed by 20 years, of which he will spend an additional 10 years in prison.  “This defendant deserves to spend all of the time in prison that he has coming,” said District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “The level of emotional trauma he has caused these two girls is unimaginable. We pray that…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced plans to return over $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers via a third special tax rebate. The proposed one-time, special refund would mirror previous rebates, returning $250 to single tax filers, $375 to head-of-household filers, and $500 to married couples filing jointly.  The latest measure, along with the previous tax rebates, multiple state gas tax suspensions, homeowner tax relief grant have saved Georgia taxpayers over $6.6 billion, officials said.   “Inflation may have fallen, but high prices are still here and weighing down hardworking Georgians every time they go to the grocery store, the gas pump, and so many…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives have arrested Aaron Guillen, 26, of Norcross, on murder charges in connection with the death of Marianna Guillen, 24, a mother of four children. Aaron Guillen had been on the run since Monday, Oct. 21.  The suspect was arrested in Newton County today, Oct. 22, police said Guillen was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was booked into the Newton County Jail, awaiting extradition to Gwinnett County. Investigators have not released details about the relationship between Aaron Guillen and Marianna Guillen,…

 ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored as a 2024 Exemplary Board, the highest status in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Board Recognition Program. “We congratulate the Rockdale County Board of Education once again for being awarded the Exemplary Board designation from the Georgia School Boards Association,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “Our board has been presented this highest level of distinction each of the nine years of eligibility. This designation represents the commitment of our board members to excellence in governance and to the children and families they serve.” GSBA Board Recognition, a…

LITHONIA, GA—-Join the Georgia Black Home Educators Network (GBHEN) and the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition (SCC) for an evening of engaging discussion on “School Choice & the Black Community,” networking, and desser bar on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 to 8 p.m., at Black Dot Cultural Center, 6984 Main St., Lithonia. Organizers say this free event is all about bringing together community-minded individuals to share ideas, stories, and experiences. Come ready to connect, learn, and inspire. Coffee & dessert bar with light refreshments will be provided Use the link below to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-confab-fabulous-community-conversations-tickets-1036954969227?aff=oddtdtcreator

CONYERS, GA – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will hold important Open House nights during October and November 2024 for the 2025-2026 School Specialty and Choice programs. Students and families interested in applying to a program are strongly encouraged to attend that program’s Open House night.  The application window for School Specialty and Choice programs is Nov. 8, 2024, through Dec.13, 2024. The application will be online at www.rockdaleschools.org/specialtyandchoice. Students may apply for specialty programs outside of their assigned neighborhood school zone.  Please note: Non-traditional programs such as Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Rockdale Career Academy, Rockdale Open Campus and…